Notice: The AACOMAS Repeat Coursework Policy has changed for the 2017-2018 application cycle, which opened May 4, 2017.

You’ve made the decision to apply to osteopathic medical school—Congratulations! You already know that admission to medical school is competitive, but just what are the admissions committees and interviewers looking for in a prospective student?

Mean Grade Point Averages (GPA) for Entering Students

2014

Science: 3.39

Non-Science: 3.60

Overall GPA: 3.51

2015

Science: 3.43

Non-Science: 3.63

Overall GPA: 3.53

2016

Science: 3.50

Non-Science: 3.65

Overall GPA: 3.56

2017

Science: 3.43

Non-Science: 3.64

Overall GPA: 3.53

Mean Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Scores for Entering Students

2014

Biological Science: 9.51

Physical Science: 8.80

Verbal Reasoning: 8.90

TOTAL MCAT: 27.21

2015

Biological Science: 9.62

Physical Science: 8.87

Verbal Reasoning: 8.84

TOTAL MCAT: 27.33

2016

Biological Science: 9.39

Physical Science: 8.73

Verbal Reasoning: 8.60

TOTAL MCAT: 25.84

2016 New MCAT

Psychological, Social, & Bio.: 125.8

Bio. & Biochemical: 125.7

Chemical & Physical: 125.5

Critical Analysis & Reasoning: 125.2

TOTAL MCAT: 502.2

2017 Pre-2015 MCAT

Biological Sci.: 9.0

Physical Sci.: 8.4

Verbal: 8.25

TOTAL MCAT: 25.6

2017 New MCAT

Psychological, Social, & Bio.: 126.2

Bio. & Biochemical: 126.0

Chemical & Physical: 125.7

Critical Analysis & Reasoning: 125.2

TOTAL MCAT: 503.1

The decrease in MCAT scores may be the result of fewer pre-2015 MCAT scores being reported as many matriculants are submitting new MCAT scores in their application.

Personal qualities are just as important. Osteopathic medical schools are looking for students who:

Are well-rounded

Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills

Have a record of community service

Have a record of leadership

Have some clinical experience

Have participated in a variety of extracurricular activities

Come from diverse backgrounds

Are motivated to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine

Possess knowledge of osteopathic medicine

Have shadowed an osteopathic physician

Nearly all students who apply to osteopathic medical school have a bachelor’s degree. There are a few exceptions for students in special programs that have prior arrangements with osteopathic medical schools. Many applicants have earned a master’s degree or doctorate before applying to osteopathic medical school.

Many public osteopathic medical schools are mandated by state regulation to admit a certain percentage of in-state residents to each entering class. Contact the colleges in which you are interested for more information.

Criminal Background Checks

Some states require criminal background checks for all medical students. Additionally, affiliated hospitals and clinical institutions of many medical schools have policies requiring criminal background checks for medical students completing clinical rotations at their facilities. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs mandates that all medical students involved in patient care at its hospitals undergo criminal background checks.

The movement toward criminal background checks across the health professions is based in large part on strengthening the public’s trust in the medical profession. Criminal background checks also enhance the safety and well-being of patients, aid in the applicants’ and enrolled medical students’ ability to eventually become licensed as physicians, and minimize the liability of medical schools and their affiliated clinical facilities.

Although a criminal background check is not part of the AACOMAS application for the 2018-19 cycle, all osteopathic medical schools require criminal background checks for all matriculating students and prior to the start of clinical rotations, or at some other specified time. It is your responsibility to become aware and informed of what will be required of you during the application process. Many colleges and clinical rotation sites require drug testing, either as a condition of matriculation or at some other specified time.

When an individual applies through AACOMAS, the applicant will be asked to disclose information regarding prior criminal offenses. Failure to accurately and truthfully disclose such offenses on the AACOMAS application may result in an offer of admission being rescinded or, if the omission is discovered after enrollment in medical school, in dismissal.